These are just some of the many things running through our minds as we lie in bed at night pretending that 6hrs of sleep is achievable. Women are often caring for and supporting their kids, partners, parents, and friends as well as working full time and being involved in multiple community groups. Whilst the kids’ eyes may get checked before school, women often sideline their own health, categorizing it as less important, but women – you are so important, and your eyes are so important!

Our eyes help us to navigate through our busy schedules, yet unfortunately 2/3rds of the world’s blind and visually impaired population are women1. This is particularly troubling when we consider that an estimated 75% of visual impairment is preventable or correctable1.

In fact, being female puts you at a greater risk for a number of ocular conditions including dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma;

Women have lower levels of androgen (hormones) compared to men. These hormones are good for our tear supply system meaning with lower levels comes a higher likelihood of suffering from dry eye.
Women live longer, reaching 84.1yrs of age on average compared to 79.6yrs for men2. Because of this, women have a higher chance of developing various age-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD. In fact, women are 2x more likely to develop AMD compared to men2. With a longer lifespan, comes greater responsibility to take care of ourselves and put our health first.

Women are also at a greater risk for a number of autoimmune conditions including Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus – all of which display ocular signs detectable in a thorough eye examination and which are useful in their diagnosis and management2.

So what can you do? How do you put your own health back on “the list”?

Regular eye checks

A healthy diet and exercise

Wearing a good pair of sunglasses

Remember that by caring for your health, you are helping the health and wellbeing of your entire family and community – so treat yourself to an eye examination today!